April 3: Entertainment & Sports Law Symposium

Join us for this year's symposium on entertainment and sports law. Details coming soon!

Title:
Entertainment & Sports Law Symposium
Webinar Date+Time:
Friday, April 3, 2026 

11:00am - 3:00pm Eastern Time
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar!
By:
CSU College of Law
Credit:

• Ohio: Details coming soon.
• Other Jurisdictions: You may be able to self-apply to your credit-granting authority.

Cost:
Free and open to the public.

More Information And Registration

November 21: Advanced Appellate Advocacy Seminar

The Eighth District Court of Appeals, in partnership with the Cleveland State University College of Law, is offering an all-day CLE, featuring Eighth District Court of Appeals judges and staff attorneys, along with esteemed practitioners and legal scholars. The seminar will focus on advanced topics in civil and criminal appeals.

Title:
Advanced Appellate Advocacy Seminar
Webinar Date+Time:
Friday, November 21, 2025
9:00am - 3:45pm Eastern Time
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar!
By:
CSU College of Law
Credit:

• Ohio: 6.0 hours
• Other Jurisdictions: You may be able to self-apply to your credit-granting authority.

Speakers And Agenda:

• I. Record Issues in the Digital Era. (9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.)
  Preserving an accurate record is an essential prerequisite to a thorough appeal of any case. Staff from the Eighth District Court of Appeals, the Cuyahoga County Clerk of Court’s Office and the Cuyahoga County Court Reporters along with Judge Brendan Sheehan from the Cuyahoga County Court of Court of Common Pleas will take a deep dive into the best practices for ensuring that the record is properly maintained and secured for appellate review. The panel will discuss best practices both inside and outside the courtroom to ensure all record items, particularly exhibits, are properly maintained for appellate review.
• Featured Moderator: Erin M. O’Toole, Court Administrator, Eighth District Court of Appeals
• Featured Speakers: Judge Brendan Sheehan, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas, Bruce Bishilany, Court Reporter, Krystal Lawyer, Cuyahoga County Clerk of Court’s Office, Criminal Division Manager, Toni Farkas, Staff Attorney, Eighth District Court of Appeals
• II. The Art of Persuasion. (9:45-10:30 a.m.)
  Appellate advocacy is hard. Courts tend to affirm, but we ask them to reverse. How can we do that? How can we persuade Judges to rule the other way? From Aristotle to Scalia, advice on persuading judges abounds. Yet all writers tend to agree on one thing: Persuasion is an art, not a science. In this segment, we'll try to refine our skills at the art of persuasion, while also gaining some practical, battle tested techniques to do so.
• Featured Moderator: Judge Eileen T. Gallagher, Eighth District Court of Appeals
• Featured Speaker: · Professor Doron Kalir, CSU Law
• BREAK: 10:30-10:45 a.m.
• III. Oral Argument: Dos, Don’ts and Persuasion Pointers (10:45 - 11:15 a.m.)
  Oral argument is an advocate’s last opportunity to make your case. Make the most of your chance to address and be addressed by the court that will be deciding your case. Former Ohio Supreme Court Justices Michael Donnelly and Melody Stewart will share their insights and experience on what they found to be effective and persuasive during their years on the bench. Guided conversation led by Judge Lisa B. Forbes of the Eighth District Court of Appeals.
• Featured Moderator: Judge Lisa Forbes, Eighth District Court of Appeals, Eighth District Court of Appeals
• Featured Speakers:· Hon. Michael Donnelly, Hon. Melody Stewart (ret.)
• IV. Generative AI 101 for Courts: Hallucinations, Deepfakes, and the Record (11:15 - 12:15 p.m.)
  This engaging 60-minute session—moderated by Judge Mary J. Boyle—will map the AI landscape for appellate and trial lawyers, from how generative models work to where they fail, with highlights from recent ethics opinions addressing the use of generative AI in the practice of law. The distinguished panel will demystify AI “hallucinations” (why large language models fabricate outputs), review real-world sanctions and litigation missteps (including the surge of AI use among pro se litigants), and survey emerging court rules that require AI-use certifications. This AI session will also explore the growing problem of AI deepfakes and how they affect all lawyers and courts. The discussion will include real-life examples of AI deepfakes and their consequences. Attendees will come away with concrete takeaways to prevent, detect, and respond to AI hallucinations and deepfakes.
• Featured Moderator: Judge Mary J. Boyle, Eighth District Court of Appeals
• Featured Speakers: Professor Mehtab Khan, CSU Law, Steve Delchin, Senior Attorney, Squire Patton Boggs, Thomas P. Ryan, Ryan Injury Attorneys, LLP
• BREAK: 12:15-12:30 p.m.
• V. Keynote presentation: The Social Determinants of Health (12:30-2:00 p.m.)
• The Social Determinants of Health (“SDOH”) are conditions in which people are born, live, work, learn, and play that affect population health, functioning, quality of life and risks, health equity, and overall well-being. The SDOH often play a role in bringing litigants into the judicial system. Jasmine Howard will present an introduction to the social determinants of health. Wendy Parmet will present on the ways in which the SDOH interact with the law and ways in which the appellate practice may be impacted by the SDOH.
• Featured Moderator: Judge Emanuella Groves, Eighth District Court of Appeals
• Featured Speaker: Professor Wendy Parmet, Northeastern University, Director Jasmine Howard, Northeastern University
• VI. “Fresh Perspectives – Views From New Appellate Judges” (2:00-2:30 p.m.)
  In this moderated panel discussion, Ohio’s newest appellate judges in Northeast Ohio will provide an up close and personal perspective on their respective appellate courts and share recommended best practices for appellate practitioners.
• Featured Moderator: Judge Michael J. Ryan, Eighth District Court of Appeals
• Featured Speakers: Judge Deena Calabrese, Eighth District Court of Appeals, Judge Scott Lynch, Eleventh District Court of Appeals
• BREAK: 2:30-2:45 p.m.
• VII. Year End Review – Impactful Decisions in Appellate Law (2:45-3:45 p.m.)
  Judicial and staff attorneys from the Eighth District Court of Appeals will recap relevant developments in appellate law including important decisions from the Eighth and the Ohio Supreme Court. Topics include final appealable order decisions, updates to local appellate rules, the use of issue bootstrapping in appeals, the party presentation rule, confrontation clause decisions and an update on the legal status of mandatory firearm specifications.
• Featured Moderator: Judge Michelle Sheehan, Eighth District Court of Appeals
• Featured Speakers: Brandon French, Staff Attorney, Eighth District Court of Appeals, Romie Daher, Judicial Attorney, Eighth District Court of Appeals, Darci Del Torto, Eighth District Court of Appeals

More Information And Registration

October 23: Prosecuting Animal Cruelty & Neglect Cases in Ohio

This continuing legal education (CLE) program provides a comprehensive overview of the legal and practical issues involved in prosecuting companion animal cruelty and neglect cases under Chapter 959 of the Ohio Revised Code. Together, these panels will equip practitioners with the legal knowledge, practical tools, and strategic insights needed to effectively handle animal cruelty and neglect cases from investigation through sentencing.
Title:
Prosecuting Animal Cruelty & Neglect Cases in Ohio
Webinar Date+Time:
Thursday, October 23, 2025 1:00pm - 4:30pm Eastern Time
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar!
Speakers + Agenda:
1:00 – 2:00 pm Introduction to Animal Cruelty & Neglect Laws
Panelists: Sharon Harvey (Cleveland APL), Carole Heyward (CSU Law), Vicki Deisner (Ohio Animal Advocates) Moderator: Kailey Leary
This panel will give a brief overview of the history of federal, state and local laws protecting animals from cruelty and neglect. The panel will then focus on the protection of companion animals under Ohio Revised Code Chapter 959 and the Link between animal cruelty and domestic violence.
2:00 – 3:00 pm Investigating Animal Cruelty & Neglect
Panelists: Isadora Almaro(Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Cuyahoga County), DanaMarie Pannella (Holland & Muirden) Chief Humane Agent Joe Dell’Anno (Cleveland APL),
Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, DVM, MS.
Moderator: Carole Heyward (CSU Law)
This panel will focus on the effective investigative practices, unique difficulties presented by companion animals as crime victims and the particular investigative challenges presented in cruelty and neglect cases. The panel will also address locating and effectively using expert witnesses to assist with investigation.
3:00 – 3:15 pm Break
3:15 – 4:15 pm Charging Decisions in Cruelty Cases
Panelists: Isadora Almaro (Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, Cuyahoga County), Chief Humane Agent Joe Dell’Anno (Cleveland APL), DanaMarie Pannella (Holland & Muirden), Dr. Michelle Gonzalez, DVM, MS.
Moderator: Carole Heyward
This panel will focus on the strategic and policy reasons underlying the decision to charge an animal cruelty and neglect case as a felony or misdemeanor.
3:45 – 4:15 pm Advocating for Appropriate Sentencing
Panelists: Isadora Almaro, Sharon Harvey, DanaMarie Pannella (Holland & Muirden), Chief Humane Agent Joe Dell’Anno (Cleveland APL),
Moderator: Kailey Leary
This panel will discuss strategies for sentencing advocacy, including presenting aggravating or mitigating factors, addressing rehabilitation and deterrence, and ensuring outcomes that promote both justice and animal welfare.
4:15 to 4:30pm Q&A
By:
CSU College of Law
Credit:

• Ohio: 3.5 hours pending
• Other Jurisdictions: You may be able to self-apply to your credit-granting authority.

More Information And Registration

October 4: 2024 IP+ Conference

Intellectual property and technology law! Join us for this year's annual IP+ Conference with both in person and remote options.
Join us free for CSU Law’s annual IP+ Conference to learn about updates and insights in intellectual property law, the intersection of IP and medicine, IP and AI, and more. Our keynote starting first thing is a fireside chat with Vaishali Udupa, Commissioner for Patents of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Join us for a day filled with captivating discussions, insightful presentations, and networking opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey, this conference has something for everyone.
Title:
2024 IP+ Conference
Webinar Date+Time:
Friday, October 4, 2024
9:30am - 4pm EDT Eastern Time
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar!
By:
CSU College of Law
Credit:

• Ohio: Ohio CLE, including ethics and professionalism CLE, will be applied for.
• Other Jurisdictions: If you need a CLE certificate for a state other than Ohio, contact the sponsor as stated in the event announcement.

Cost:
Free and open to the public.

More Information And Registration

February 28: Ukraine: Accountability and the Emergence of a New Global Order

The Russian invasion of Ukraine constitutes a clear violation of international law; by ordering the commission of various atrocity crimes, such as aggression, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and possibly genocide, Russian President Vladimir Putin has incurred individual criminal responsibility. In fact, since Nuremberg, political and military leaders have been held accountable for ordering and orchestrating the commission of atrocity crimes. In the context of Ukraine, Putin and other Russian leaders are already being investigated by the International Criminal Court, which has jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Ukraine; it is likely that the ICC will indict some Russian leaders in the very near future. As the ICC does not have jurisdiction over the Russian crime of aggression, various states have advocated for the creation of an ad hoc aggression tribunal. Those conversations continue in the United Nations General Assembly, and it is possible that we will witness the creation of such a tribunal this year.
In a dynamic Q&A format moderated by CSU |LAW Professor Milena Sterio, Dean Michael Scharf will discuss the various accountability options for the prosecution of Putin and other Russian leaders, as well as the possibility that developments related to the Ukraine conflict may suggest the emergence of a new global order.
Title:
Ukraine: Accountability and the Emergence of a New Global Order

I can no longer find the zoom registration for this event on their website so presumably they have filled up. Sorry!
Webinar Date+Time:
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
5:00pm - 6:00pm Eastern Time
In-Person: 1801 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 (Moot Court Room)
Also Via Zoom
Register Now For This Free Continuing Legal Education Webinar! I can no longer find the zoom registration for this event on their website so presumably they have filled up. Sorry!
Speaker:

• Since 2013, Michael Scharf has been the Co-Dean of Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He is a Chaired Professor who has authored 20 books, including five that have won national book of the year honors. During the elder Bush and Clinton Administrations, Scharf served as Attorney Adviser for U.N. Affairs in the Office of the Legal Adviser of the U.S. Department of State, where he represented the United States at the U.N. Human Rights Commission and U.N. Legal Committee. Scharf and the Public International Law and Policy Group, a Non-Governmental Organization he co-founded 25 years ago, were nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize by six governments and the Prosecutor of an International Criminal Tribunal for the work they have done to help in the prosecution of major war criminals. He has served as Special Assistant to the International Prosecutor of the Cambodia Genocide Tribunal and has argued as Amicus before the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Court. Since 2011, Scharf has produced and hosted the radio program “Talking Foreign Policy,” broadcast quarterly on Cleveland’s NPR station, WKSU 89.7 FM and available as a podcast. Scharf is the President of the American Branch of the International Law Association, a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a member of the Executive Council of the American Society of International Law.
• MODERATOR: Milena Sterio is the Charles R. Emrick Jr. - Calfee Halter & Griswold Professor of Law and LLM Programs Director at the CSU College of Law. She is an expert on International and International Criminal Law and the author of seven books and numerous law review articles and other writings. Professor Sterio has worked with the International Criminal Court's Office of the Prosecutor, where she is currently advising on the development of the new policy on the prosecution of the crime of gender persecution, and she has also argued an amicus brief before the ICC's Appeals Chamber. Sterio has also engaged with the United Nations, as an expert on maritime piracy issues and global counterterrorism initiatives. She currently serves on the Executive Council of the American Society of International Law, as a Director on the American Branch of International Law Board of Directors, and as Chair of the Transitional Justice and Rule of Law Interest Group at the American Society of International Law. Sterio was a Fulbright Scholar in Baku, Azerbaijan, in 2013, where she researched secession issues related to the disputed Nagorno-Karabakh region. She holds a J.D. from Cornell Law School, two French law degrees from the University of Paris, and a B.A. from Rutgers University.

By:
CSU College of Law
Credit:

• Ohio: 1 hour of online CLE credit, pending approval
• Other Jurisdictions: You may be able to self-apply to your credit-granting authority.

Cost:
Free and open to the public.

More Information And Registration